Mizuno Wave Enigma 3 - Men’s

The Basics

Runner’s World Review

Mizuno touted its new foam dubbed "U4ic" ("euphoric," get it?) as a lighter compound that offers the same cushioning properties of its previous foam. Our findings: Yep. The Enigma weighs almost an ounce less than its predecessor, with both cushioning and flexibility showing solid improvements. Our wear-testers acknowledged the same in their feedback. Note: Don't let the 38.4 mm heel scare you off. Only a couple of wear-testers said it felt "too tall," while others enjoyed the feeling of forward propulsion and smooth transition that it delivered.BOTTOM LINE: A high-mileage trainer for runners with medium arches.

Runner’s World Wear Testers Say

"The shoe fit well and was well cushioned all around. A soft ride for short quick runs and a workhorse for long runs. The ankle collar was snug and felt great."— Ramon Brown, East Lansing, Michigan

"The Enigma 3 was comfortable, had great heel to toe transition, and offered a small but adequate amount of support."— Peter Butler, San Diego, California

"This is my first time trying this brand. I was having some issues with plantar fasciitis and these shoes didn't bother me."— Jessica Cousino, East Lansing, Michigan

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All the Stats You Need!

Weight: Heavy | 10.7 oz

Heel-To-Toe-Drop: Very High | 11.8 mm

Heel Height: Very High | 38.4 mm

Heel Cushioning: Soft

Forefoot Height: Very High | 26.6 mm

Forefoot Cushioning: Soft

Flexibility: Flexible

Stability Features: Most

Energy Return: Less

We put each shoe through real-world usage and a battery of mechanical tests in our lab to provide you with objective — and exclusive — data. In addition to a shoe's weight, we measure sole thickness (everything that sits between your foot and the road), how well the foam cushions your stride, and the flexibility of the forefoot. All this is taken into account in our reviews of each shoe.

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